PIA Press ReleaseMonday, January 09, 2012

NGP implementation in Batangas succesful- PENRO

by Carlo P. Gonzaga

BATANGAS CITY, January 9 (PIA) -- The provincial environment and natural resources office (PENRO) in the province of Batangas has proudly announced recently the successful implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) advocated by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III.

“The goal to plant trees in the 1,520 hectares of land in the whole province of Batangas was successfully achieved, thus we will continue the greening and restoration of the environment,” ENRO Provincial Officer Jose Elmer Bascos said.

To carry on the project, PENRO has bonded with the different local government units (LGUs), schools, barangays and the private sector as its counterpart in spreading widely the objectives of the NGP.

Their counterpart will help in maintaining and cultivation of the trees planted to ensure continuous growing. A fund was also allocated for the maintenance of the planted trees.

“It is necessary to restore the once lush greenery mountains in the province of Batangas, particularly in the areas of Lobo, Nasugbu and Cuenca,” Bascos said.

He added that climate change is one of the serious problems their agency is facing thus the intense focus to restore the environment and if not avoided at least mitigate the harsh effects of climate change.

Bascos also mentioned that ongoing mining explorations in the province do not hamper their efforts to restore the environment because only minor pits are dug up for sampling of mineral deposits in some areas.

“Also, it does not interfere with our programs on environment protection because they are bonded. The bond will be used in a mining area in case in need of the necessary rehabilitation,” Bascos said.

Meanwhile, Bascos called on citizens to cooperate in PENRO’s programs beneficial to the people. He also thanked the media for helping their office in the dissemination of information on their programs and projects to the public. (CPG, PIA-4A with report from PIA-Batangas)